Kale is a versatile and excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It provides numerous health benefits including high levels of Vitamin A, C, and K. Also, it is easy to grow and harvest in a home garden.
With so many different varieties available, choosing the best type can be challenging. Here are some of the top kale varieties to consider adding to your garden. Each variety offers unique flavors and growing characteristics.
By choosing the right kale varieties and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Fresh, nutritious greens from your own backyard are within reach. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, consider adding these best kale varieties to your garden.
#1 Redbor Kale / Purple Kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Redbore’)
Source: plants.chaletnursery
Redbor kale stands out with its stunning purple-red coloration. This variety bridges food production and ornamental design beautifully. I regularly use it in landscape plantings where its visual impact rivals flowering annuals.
#2 Red Russian Kale (Brassica oleracea var. vindis)
Source: wcs4
Red Russian kale features light green leaves with attractive red stems. This variety is perfect for novice gardeners and thrives in early spring and late fall. Its tender texture makes it ideal for fresh salads.
#3 Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephata)
Source: homedepot
Ornamental kale produces large rosettes in pink, red, purple, or white shades. These plants blur the line between edible and decorative design elements. They thrive in cool autumn conditions when other flowers fade.
#4 Chinese Kale / Gai Lan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra)
Source: cabidigitallibrary
Chinese kale features flat leaves and prominent flowering stalks. This variety is essential for Asian culinary traditions and stir-fry dishes. Its thick stems are edible and prized in professional cooking.
#5 Siberian Kale (Brassica napus ‘Siberian’)
Source: fullcircleseeds
Siberian kale is actually Brassica napus, related to rutabaga and canola. It offers exceptional cold hardiness for northern gardens. The mild flavor and oil-rich seeds add to its versatility.
#6 Lacinato Kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Lacinato’)
Source: gardenerspath
Lacinato kale is known as dinosaur kale or cavolo nero with large, deep-green puckered leaves. This variety offers rich, earthy flavor perfect for Italian soups and braises. It maintains quality through summer heat better than many European types.
#7 Vates Blue Curled Scotch Kale (Brassica ‘Vates Blue Curled’)
Source: sandiegoseedcompany
Vates Blue Curled features dark green, extremely curly leaves with excellent texture. This classic variety is perfect for kale chips and quick cooking methods. Its compact growth allows intensive spacing in the garden bed.
#8 Curly Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)
Source: bonnieplants
Curly kale is the most widely available variety with bright green, ruffled leaves. It offers a flavor reminiscent of cabbage with a peppery kick. This type is best suited for quick cooking methods rather than long braises.
#9 Scarlet Kale (Brassica oleracea ‘Scarlet’)
Source: gardenguide4all
Scarlet kale features frilly, curly leaves with a beautiful reddish-purple hue. This variety is exceptional for raw consumption in salads. Its tender texture and sweet flavor make it a top choice for fresh eating.
